Broward schools superintendent clarifies cellphone ban exceptions, consequences

Miami Herald | By Alecia Taylor | August 13, 2024

Broward Superintendent Howard Hepburn said during a press conference Tuesday afternoon that the district wants to work with students as they get used to the new cellphone policy which is being implemented this year.

Broward school board members adopted the new policy last month that expands on the current state statute which prohibits students from using cell phones during class instruction time unless given permission by teachers. Broward’s policy pushes the restrictions a step further by requiring that students either turn their phones off or leave them on airplane mode.

“We don’t want it to end up in a suspension,” said Hepburn during the Tuesday press conference. “That defeats the purpose. Now you’re disengaged totally from the whole entire learning process because you’re not in our building.”

Instead, he said the district is trying to work with students through what he called “this journey.”

He also emphasized that students will be allowed to use cellphones if permitted by a teacher for instructional purposes.

The district will accommodate students with special needs and medical issues, he said. Parents should contact the principal of the child’s school to discuss underlying issues of why the student may need access to their cellphones.

However, the district is facing pushback from both parents and students.

An online petition to have the district revoke the cellphone ban has collected over 18,000 signatures.

“The ban limits their ability to communicate effectively, which can lead to social isolation and disrupt students’ ability to organize and collaborate,” the petition, which was started by Anthony Stewart, states.

The petition received over 300 new signatures on Tuesday.

Many comments on the petition call the new policy a safety hazard citing concerns of bomb threats and shootings.

“My phone is how I can be sure where my son is. If there’s an emergency, his phone needs to be on him,” wrote Patricia Bordenkircher. “Responsible use is expected but in today’s world, we need to be able to find & reach our kids.”